San Andreas, CA…On August 4, 2020, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Unit served a search warrant at an illegal marijuana cultivation site in the 8000 block of West Murray Creek Road in Mountain Ranch. Deputies seized 285 growing marijuana plants with an estimated value exceeding $199,500. One suspect was located at the scene and issued a citation. May Lao Her, age 51 of Fresno, California, was cited on charges of 11358 H&S Illegal Marijuana Cultivation and 11359 H&S Possession of Marijuana for Sale. The investigation is ongoing.

Also, on August 4, 2020, an unrelated search warrant was served at a site in the 400 block of Blossom Lane in Railroad Flat. Deputies seized 343 growing marijuana plants with an estimated value exceeding $1,008,000. No suspects were located at the site; however, the investigation is ongoing. This was the third time the Marijuana Enforcement Unit has eradicated this site within the last three months. Additionally, this site had previously been eradicated in 2018. Previous investigations have resulted in the issuance of an arrest warrant for Krsnathakur Widmer, 31 years old Bader, California.

Additionally, on August 4, 2020, a third unrelated search warrant was served at a site located in the 1400 block of Hidden Valley Road in West Point. Deputies seized 816 growing marijuana plants with an estimated value exceeding $571,000. Two suspects were located at the site and were issued citations. Fay Villalobos, age 81 of West Point, and Imanol Marte Martinez, age 31 of Livingston, California, were cited on charges of 11358 H&S Illegal Marijuana Cultivation and 11359 H&S Possession of Marijuana for Sale. The investigation is ongoing.

On August 6, 2020, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Unit served a search warrant at an illegal marijuana cultivation site in the 12000 block of Armstrong Road in Sheep Ranch. Deputies seized 814 growing marijuana plants with an estimated value exceeding $569,000. The marijuana grow was dispersed and hidden amongst trees and brush. Clear evidence of people living on-site in primitive conditions was present. Debris, trash, and human waste were scattered around the area. Extensive lengths of plastic piping, which carried water directly from a nearby creek, while fertilizers and pesticides were found to be stored and used above the creek, were irrigating the plants. No suspects were located at the site; however, the investigation is ongoing.

The Calaveras Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with knowledge of illegal marijuana operations to call the Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Marijuana Tip Line at (209) 754-6870.